Tabletop Trends: UCFF 2024
Great LET opportunities down on the farm
Looking for a relaxed way to connect with foodservice operators? The UCFF delivers an interesting option
The Universal Cookery & Food Festival (UCFF), which took place at Loddington Farm in Kent on 26th September, provides visitors with a highly individual and memorable way of networking, learning, seeing a variety of foodservice equipment – and a chance to try a dizzying range of amazing food. This year’s event also had a strong showing from the Light Equipment and Tableware (LET) sector.
Billed as the only food festival designed by – and for – chefs, the UCFF gathers exhibitors from across the food and foodservice markets in a huge “big top” style marquee, with two kitchen stages hosting demonstrations, interviews and panel discussions as well as farm tours and foraging sessions. And of course, plenty of free food available throughout the day – all included in the ticket price.
“It really was like no other show I’ve ever been to,” says John Cunningham, chief executive of FEA, who attended on behalf of Tabletop Trends. “Once we’d cleared registration and people started offering us food we knew we were in for something a little different. There was a wonderful buzzy yet relaxed vibe, with lots of chefs in attendance. The focus on grass roots producers and sustainability was obviously deeply ingrained in the ethos of the show and felt very authentic.”
A number of FEA’s LET member companies were also in attendance and were overwhelmingly positive about the experience. “They told us that they were having great conversations and picking up good leads,” says John. “And with the cost of an exhibitor ticket being less than £1500 in many cases, it’s a great return on investment.”
The UCFF takes place in a different location each year, which is selected because it has a fascinating food story to tell. Past venues have included Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage and a working buffalo farm. Any LET suppliers and dealers who are interested in attending next year’s festival should register their interest as soon as possible. “It was a lovely show, a really great way to meet a broad cross section of the industry – with plenty of amazing food to keep you going!”
More information about the UCFF can be found at www.cookeryandfoodfestival.co.uk
This article is part of Tabletop Trends - FEA's quarterly light equipment and tableware sector newsletter.
Tabletop Trends is produced and distributed by the Foodservice Equipment Association, the UK's largest independent foodservice equipment trade association. All suppliers listed in this article are FEA members. A full list of Light Equipment and Table suppliers can be found on our Meet Our Members section - simply select Light Equipment / Food Prep from the Product Type drop down menu
Contact the FEA
Rotherwick House, 3 Thomas More Street, St. Katharine Docks, London, E1W 1YZ
020 7793 3030 | enquiries@fea.org.uk
